Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) contains medroxyprogesterone, a progesterone hormone that works to balance hormone changes in the body. In premenopausal women, it prevents thickening of the uterus lining and regulates your menstrual cycle. It's also added to hormone therapy to protect the uterus from the harmful effects of estrogen.

› Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) can be used to treat multiple hormone problems in women.

› After menopause, taking estrogen raises your risk of uterine cancer. However, taking progesterone, like in Provera (Medroxyprogesterone), along with estrogen gives you the positive effects of estrogen, but also prevents it from damaging your uterus.

› Fewer side effects than pills since there are lower amounts of estrogen in topical gels.

› In studies, when people used low doses of Elestrin (Estradiol Gel), their symptoms started to improve in 5 weeks and they felt continued improvement over 8 to 12 weeks. People using the highest doses of Elestrin (Estradiol Gel) felt better in just 2 weeks.

› Elestrin (Estradiol Gel) is available in 3 strengths.

› Very few women (less than 1%) had skin irritation from the medicine.

› Can lower your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy. Make sure you also get enough calcium and Vitamin D.

› Improves mood, energy, and mental alertness for some people.

Downsides and risks

Provera

Elestrin

› You can't take Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) if you've had a hysterectomy (your uterus removed). You also can't take it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have unusual vaginal bleeding, or have a history of blood clots, certain kinds of cancer, stroke, heart attack, liver problems, or bleeding problems.

› Increases your risk of endometrial and breast cancer.

› If you have your uterus, you have to use Elestrin (Estradiol Gel) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.

› Increases your risk of developing blood clots and stroke.

› Can't be used in people with liver problems.

› It's possible to expose other people to the estrogen before it's absorbed by your skin.

› Can be expensive since it's only available as a brand name product.

Tips from our pharmacists for people taking the medication

Provera

Elestrin

› The dose of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone) will be different depending on what you’re using it for, so take it exactly the way your doctor tells you.

› Talk to your doctor every few months about using the lowest possible dose of Provera (Medroxyprogesterone). Since there can be a lot of long-term side effects, take it only as long as you need it.